Method and apparatus for searching a filtering database with one search operation

A method for selecting a forward vector for a received data packet comprising the steps of:

• translating a virtual LAN identifier associated with the received data packet to a translated identifier, the translated identifier including a group identifier corresponding to a virtual LAN group and a group member number corresponding to the identified virtual LAN;
• storing in a filtering database a static entry and a dynamic entry, the forward vector associated with the translated identifier stored in the static entry associated with the translated identifier or the dynamic entry associated with the group identifier and the group member number set to don't care;
• and
• providing, from a single search operation for the translated identifier in the filtering database the forward vector for the received data packet stored in the static entry or the dynamic entry in the filtering database.

A method for selecting a forward vector for a received data packet comprising the steps of:

• means for translating a virtual LAN identifier associated with the received data packet, the translated identifier including a group identifier corresponding to a virtual LAN and a group member number corresponding to the identified virtual LAN;
• means for storing a static entry and a dynamic entry, the forward vector associated with the translated identifier stored in the static entry associated with the translated identifier or in the dynamic entry associated with the group identifier and the group member number set to don't care;
• and
• means for providing, from a single search operation for the translated identifier in the filtering database the forward vector for the received data packet stored in the static entry or the dynamic entry in the filtering database.